YORK Central Library was the scene of a burglary on Monday night, with the thief or thieves making off with cash.

Police were alerted to a disturbance at the building on Library Square, Museum Street at around 9.30pm on October 5.

Upon arrival, officers discovered the library had been burgled. A full investigation into the incident is underway, with a crime scene investigation vehicle and police officers spotted attending the scene this morning.

As the investigation is underway, no details have yet been released about how many burglars there were or how entry was gained to the library. However, a police spokesperson said that a 'quantity of cash was taken.'

Fiona Williams, chief executive of York Explore, said: "There was a break in at the rear of the building, with the donation box being stolen. It didn’t contain much money as it had recently been emptied. We are now working with the police."

Police are launching an appeal for information. Anyone who knows anything about the incident is urged to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, pressing option 1 and passing information on to the force control room.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. People are asked to quote reference number 12150176833 when passing on information about the incident.

The newly-refurbished Explore York Library and Archive opened in January following a £2 million revamp. The archive includes historic documents such as the city’s first charter from 1155, and its letter of condolence after the death of Richard III.